The Valero Texas Open, held in San Antonio, is the final PGA Tour stop before the Masters. With temperatures expected to soar into the 90s, the tournament offers high stakes, as the winner—if not already qualified—earns a last-minute invitation to Augusta. Despite lacking some top-tier stars, the event boasts a rich history, dating back 102 years, making it the sixth-oldest professional golf tournament worldwide.
This year, 118 players in the field are vying for a spot at the Masters, with defending champion Akshay Bhatia recalling how his 2023 victory propelled him straight to Augusta. Meanwhile, 27 players in the tournament are already set for the Masters, including two top-10 ranked competitors: Ludvig Åberg (No. 5) and Hideki Matsuyama (No. 6). Betting odds favor Åberg, who enters as the tournament’s frontrunner with +1200 odds on FanDuel.
Jordan Spieth, a Texas native, is making his ninth appearance at the Valero Texas Open, a tournament where he has consistently performed well. He won in 2021, finished as runner-up in 2015, and secured a top-10 finish last year. With 13 PGA Tour victories to his name, Spieth leads this week’s field in career wins, followed closely by Zach Johnson (12) and Justin Rose (11).
The course will see seven past champions, including Bhatia, Spieth, and Corey Conners, who won in 2019 and 2023. As players battle for a final chance to reach Augusta, they’ll also have to contend with scorching conditions—Friday’s second round is expected to reach 92°F. With history, high stakes, and a competitive field, the Valero Texas Open promises an exciting lead-up to the Masters.
